Wednesday, February 24, 2016

CLAYTON, New York (February 24, 2016) – The New York State
Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) announced today that it will host the
2016 Empire State Tourism Conference, along with I Love NY, this coming May 2-4
at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton.

“It is an honor for the 1000 Islands region to serve as
host of this prestigious conference which will draw tourism professionals from
all corners of this great state,” shared Michael Folsom, Conference Chairman.
“By being in Clayton, this conference provides an ideal opportunity for the
region to shine and share with fellow NY tourist destinations that the 1000
Islands is an extraordinary place everyone should experience and enjoy.”

The 3-day conference will kick-off on May 2 with opening
remarks from NYS Senator Richard Funke (55th District), Chair of the
Cultural Affairs, Tourism, and Parks & Recreation committee, as well as a
presentation by I Love NY. Also on May 2, the 1000 Islands International
Tourism Council, a diamond level sponsor of the conference, will host evening
festivities which include a tour boat ride and reception at the area’s most
iconic attraction, Boldt Castle.

The theme of this year’s conference, “The Future is Now,”
will be complimented by a number of breakout sessions and panel discussions on
topics ranging from social media to audience targeting. Barbara Wold, an
internationally known speaker and authority to the retail, consumer,
hospitality and tourism industries with more than 40 years of firsthand
experience in management and marketing, will serve as keynote speaker, as will
Michael Johnson, Dean of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

“NYSTIA is looking forward to highlighting the tremendous
assets of the 1000 Islands Vacation Region during our annual conference,” said
Jill Delaney, President and CEO of NYSTIA. “As New York State’s 4th
largest employer, tourism continues to drive the state’s economy, and our
conference is sure to further support that momentum with cutting-edge
educational programming and collaboration opportunities.”

Along with today’s announcement, a logo for the conference
has been introduced, providing branding recognition for the region as the host
site. The logo, created by Riverside Media of Clayton, features the 1000
Islands International Bridge connecting upstate NY to Canada, NYS Park’s Rock
Island Lighthouse, the Antique Boat Museum’s commuter yacht Zipper, and
a row of tall standing trees representing the landscape of the Islands. A blue
ribbon encompasses the lower portion of the logo symbolizing the majestic St.
Lawrence River.

To register for the conference or for more information,
visit www.nystia.org/estc. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting
Dawn Borchert at dawn@nystia.org.

About NYSTIA

NYSTIA is organized for the purposes of bringing together
New York State tourism industry interests to: advocate government policies and
programs which will strengthen the industry; to raise the level of
professionalism within the industry; to encourage the development of
cooperative relationships and partnerships among its members; and to raise
consumer awareness and appreciation of travel and vacation opportunities in New
York State.

Monday, February 22, 2016

CLAYTON, New York (February 22,
2016) - The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America's premier freshwater
nautical museum based in Clayton, NY, announced today the details of the 2016
Antique & Classic Boat Society (ACBS) and ABM jointly hosted Symposium, a
weekend full of in-depth and hands-on workshops, to be held May 13-15 at the
Museum.

In response to member demand,
this year's Symposium will offer workshops on repair techniques for vintage
fiberglass boats, as well as basic restoration techniques in wood repair and
finishing. Additionally, there will be sessions on getting the best performance
from both inboard and outboard motors, marine castings and pattern making, and
researching your boat. The weekend will also feature a presentation by Tony
Mollica on the history of a local boat manufacturer, Fitzgerald & Lee, and
its association with Gar Wood.

Registration is only $199 ($225
after April 25) for adults and $100 ($110 after April 25) for youth under 18
years of age. Fees cover all lesson materials and select meals - Friday
(dinner), Saturday (breakfast and lunch), and Sunday (breakfast).

Online registration will open on
Tuesday, March 1 at abm.org or contact ABM Educator Debra Rantanen at
315-686-4104 ext. 235.

About ABM

Located on the St. Lawrence River in upstate NY,
the ABM features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among
thousands of recreational boating artifacts, including the world's largest
runabout, Pardon Me, and a 113-year old gilded-age two-story
houseboat, La Duchesse. In addition, the ABM plays host to the longest
running antique boat show in North America and is considered the birthplace of
antique raceboat regattas. The Museum will open for the 2016 season on Friday,
May 6. For more information, please visit the Museum's website at abm.org.